30.06.2015 Valmet's strategy and financial targets unchanged and reconfirmed by the Board of Directors
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Valmet's strategy and financial targets, which were announced on September 3, 2013 and reconfirmed on July 31, 2014, have been reconfirmed by Valmet's Board of Directors, and thus remain unchanged.

Strategy
Valmet's mission is to convert renewable resources into sustainable results. The company continues to focus on developing and supplying competitive technology and services to the pulp, paper and energy industries. Valmet is committed to moving its customers' performance forward.
Valmet seeks to achieve its strategic targets by pursuing the following Must-Win initiatives: customer excellence, leader in technology and innovation, excellence in processes, and winning team. Valmet's vision is to become the global champion in serving its customers.

Comment from Pasi Laine (photo), President and CEO of Valmet:
"Valmet has proceeded systematically in the implementation of its strategy. The EBITA margin target of 6-9 percent is still valid, and we continue the work to reach that level. The acquisition of Automation business was an important step and now we can offer unique benefits for our customers. Valmet is committed to moving our customers' performance forward," says Pasi Laine, President and CEO of Valmet.
(Valmet Corporation)

Arkema increases its prices of all grades of Hydrogen Peroxide in Europe by 7 % effective on July 1st, 2015 or as commitments allow.

The objective of this price increase is to continue restoring the profitability of this business, in order to allow Arkema to continue satisfying the market’s growing requirements.

Arkema’s markets hydrogen peroxide under the brands Albone® (photo), Peroxal® and Valsterane® as oxidizing agents in a variety of applications, and primarily as bleaching agent for pulp and paper.
(Arkema)

Following the market release published on February 10th 2015, Portucel S.A. informs that, after the fulfillment of the necessary conditions for the conclusion of the acquisition of AMS BR Star Paper S.A. (“AMS”), its 100% owned subsidiary, About Balance S.A., acquired the entire share capital of AMS.
(Portucel Empresa Produtora de Pasta e Papel SA)

DS Smith Plc (“DS Smith”), the leading provider of recycled corrugated packaging in Europe, is pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement to acquire the corrugated activities of Grupo Lantero, including several operations in which DS Smith currently has a minority holding.

The business is a well-invested Iberian corrugated producer with a strong focus in the FMCG sector, operating seven sites across Spain. This acquisition significantly strengthens our operations in Spain, an important and growing market for corrugated packaging, taking our market share to approximately 10%. It also builds on our recent acquisition of Andopack in calendar Q4 2014, where we have seen a very positive customer reaction to our product and service offering. The acquisition is subject to competition clearance, which we expect during calendar Q3 2015 with completion shortly thereafter.

The total consideration, including the assumption of debt, is expected to be circa €190m, subject to closing adjustments, representing a post synergy multiple of between 5 and 6x EBITDA. The transaction is being financed from existing cash resources and is expected to deliver a return on invested capital above our cost of capital in the second year of ownership.

Miles Roberts (photo), Chief Executive of DS Smith said:
“We are delighted to announce the acquisition of the corrugated activities of Grupo Lantero. It is a high quality business that we have known and partnered with for a number of years and significantly increases our offering to Pan-European customers in this large and growing market. It is a further important step in our strategy to leverage our scale and strengthen our geographic footprint and we look forward to working with Grupo Lantero stakeholders and contributing to the overall growth of DS Smith.”

Enric Holzbacher, Chief Executive of Grupo Lantero added:
“We are very pleased to hand over our corrugated packaging business to our partner DS Smith. We are convinced that DS Smith has a strong alignment with our FMCG sector and will further develop our well established customer relationships. Grupo Lantero has decided to strategically focus its activities on its multinational rigid and flexible plastic divisions: Coexpan and Emsur.”
(DS Smith Plc)

30.06.2015 Research project to make lignin carbon fibre possible
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Innventia – together with Södra and seven other organisations – has been awarded an EU research project that aims to increase investments in development for manufacturing carbon fibre-reinforced plastic composites from kraft lignin. This initiative is of great significance in terms of access to bio-based products in a future bioeconomy.

In brief, the research project involves manufacturing carbon fibre-reinforced plastic composite with good performance and at a lower price than is currently the case. Lignin fromwood is used as the main carbon fibre raw material. The aim is to demonstrate components for the automotive industry by tailoring the raw material, the manufacturing process for carbon fibres and different manufacturing techniques in which the focus is on replacing traditional, heavier materials in cars with lightweight composites.

Innventia, part of RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, is hosting the project and coordinating its realisation. Together with Chalmers University of Technology and industrial partners, Innventia has developed the LignoBoost process, which produces pure lignin – a requirement in order to manufacture carbon fibre. Research and development at Innventia has resulted in ever better lignin qualities adapted for carbon fibres and for other applications (e.g. for activated carbon, batteries and binders). Through collaboration with Swerea SICOMP, a partner of this new EU project, the two research institutes cover the entire chain from pulp mill to ready-made composite.

“We are extremely proud of the team of competences that provides excellent conditions for driving development towards making lignin-based carbon fibres commercially available for lightweight materials,” says the project’s coordinator, Per Tomani. “Thanks to excellent collaboration between Innventia and Södra, we finally have the resources to start linking up the entire value chain, from forest and pulp mill, and onwards to a composite for use in a car.”

“The project enables us to come one step closer to the commercialisation of carbon fibre from lignin,” says Södra Innovation & New Businesses’ Fredrik Gellerstedt. “If we can create this, it will result in minimised carbon dioxide emissions globally and lead to the continued development of a product that has been assessed as having a highly profitable market.”

The GreenLight research project is taking place within Bio-Based Industries, a partnership between European industrial companies and the EU. The companies involved in the project come from throughout the value chain, from forestry to finished product. The consortium is being led by Innventia and has been granted EUR 2.6 million for the project, which will run for four years from summer 2015 onwards.
(Innventia AB)

International technology Group ANDRITZ has acquired Euroslot KDSS, headquartered in Scorbé Clairvaux, France, including its subsidiaries in China and India. The company, which will be renamed ANDRITZ Euroslot, designs and manufactures filtration and separation equipment for the pulp and paper industry, the water and waste water treatment segment, and other industrial applications.

ANDRITZ Euroslot will be integrated into the ANDRITZ PULP & PAPER business area, thus enabling the company to provide full support and service to its customers worldwide based on ANDRITZ’s strong technological expertise, financial background, and global presence.
(Andritz AG)

Gebr. Bellmer GmbH Maschinenfabrik located in Niefern, Germany has taken over the roll and calender specialist GapCon from Irle-Deuz Group located in Siegen, Germany. Since the foundation in the year 2006 by the experienced engineers Wolfgang Wiertz and Wolfgang Mark, the Gap-Con Group has been a supplier of high-quality products and services for the paper industry. Due to professional expertise, entrepreneurial courage and great commitment, the company has developed over the years into a globally recognized technology enterprise.

In particular, GapCon enjoys reputation as leader in the field of calenders, shoe presses as well as special rolls.

From the beginning, both companies Bellmer and GapCon have been united in a close partnership as to development and supply of shoe presses.

Martin Kollmar, president of Bellmer explains: “The complete product range of GapCon as well as the related services and contact persons will remain unchanged and will perfectly complement our existing portfolio.” In future, the company will operate under the name “Bellmer GapCon GmbH”. The company’s locations in Willich (Germany), St. Pölten (Austria) and Calcutta (India) will continue. The Chinese location at Shanghai will be merged with Bellmer’s local branch. The subsidiary GapCon Italy will remain part of Irle-Group and will specialize in the construction of tissue machines.

Both product lines and geographical presence are an ideal complement to the Bellmer Group, resulting in even better future possibilities to serve the paper industry in an optimal and flexible manner.

With this step, the Bellmer group will have a staff of about 600 people worldwide with a sales vol-ume of approx. 130 million EURO. Bellmer is a family-owned company, established in 1842. Bellmer is managed in the 6th generation by the three brothers Philipp, Martin and Erich Kollmar. The Bellmer group features two divisions: In the Bellmer Paper Technology, paper machines for special applications are manufactured. The Bellmer Separation Technology offers optimum solutions for the field of solid/liquid separation.

Erich Kollmar, president of Bellmer points out: “For us, it is very important that the great employees of both our companies will cooperate even closer than before. The previous managing directors of GapCon, Wolfgang Wiertz and Wolfgang Mark, will manage the company also in future.” Wolfgang Wiertz confirms: “After having cooperated with Bellmer for such a long time, a lot of new opportunities will result form this merger for all parties. First of all, the customers of the paper and board industry will benefit from this development.”
(Gebr. Bellmer GmbH Maschinenfabrik)

Smurfit Kappa reiterates its relentless commitment to delivering business value through sustainability across all areas of its operations with its 8th annual Sustainable Development Report

The report, “Sustainability in every fibre” highlights Smurfit Kappa’s focus on designing and enabling truly circular systems, with a unique commitment to use only 100% sustainably sourced fibres in its products and processes. Full transparency is assured through adherence to the GRI 4 Comprehensive sustainability guidelines. Progress made in 2014 against the five newly defined strategic sustainability priorities includes:

- Forest - All raw material used in paper production is now sourced under certified Chain of Custody systems
- Climate Change - 21.6% reduction in carbon emissions per tonne of paper produced, on track for 2020 target of 25% reduction
- Water - 28% reduction in organic content of water (COD) returned to the environment from mills, on track for 2020 target of 33% reduction
- Waste - Twelve out of 38 paper mills effectively did not send waste to landfill in 2014
- People - 80% response rate to the first company-wide employee engagement survey, MyVoice2014

Commenting on the strong performance outlined in the report, Gary McGann, Group Chief Executive Officer at Smurfit Kappa said:
“We are proud to say that our people and products have sustainability in every fibre. We use it as a lens through which to focus our innovation, our strategy and our processes.”

Group Chief Operating Officer, Tony Smurfit, continued:
“This approach has delivered consistent business growth and long-term partnerships with some of the world’s most respected brands. Every day, we prove how our way of working contributes to a better, more sustainable world and a brighter future.”

The report provides a comprehensive update on Smurfit Kappa’s performance against its five strategic priority areas:
Expanding sustainable sourcing and responsible forestry
In 2014 Smurfit Kappa effectively completed its Chain of Custody certification, enabling it to deliver FSC® certified packaging to customers as standard. All raw material used in paper production is now sourced under certified Chain of Custody systems, with more than 97% of packaging and 92% of converting operations certified according to FSC and/or PEFCTM.

Reducing carbon emissions and increasing renewable power
A new target for relative CO2 emissions was introduced in May 2014 after Smurfit Kappa achieved its original target of a reduction of 20% by 2020 compared to 2005. The new target is to reduce relative CO2 emissions for the mill system by 25% by 2020 compared to 2005. Relative reduction of fossil CO2 emissions in 2014 was 1.2% compared to 2013, and now stands at -21.6% compared to the 2005 benchmark.

Smurfit Kappa also gives customers transparency on the carbon impacts of its packaging. For this reason the ‘Innotools’ suite of design software has been equipped with the ability to measure the carbon footprint of individual packaging products since 2011. Now the company has added a new option to Innotools which allows customers to track reductions in the carbon footprint of their packaging over the years.

Reducing impact on water
Smurfit Kappa is committed to reducing the organic content of water (COD) returned to the environment from its mills by one third by 2020 compared to 2005 levels, and has now achieved a 28% reduction against that benchmark.

Ongoing investment in water treatment plants enables Smurfit Kappa to be more efficient in cleaning used water, resulting in more efficient water use and reuse throughout production.

In addition, Smurfit Kappa is implementing water risk assessments at all paper and board mills that will enable more specific targets on water and individual improvement plans for each mill.

Reducing waste to landfill
Twelve out of Smurfit Kappa’s 38 paper mills effectively did not send waste to landfill in 2014. Smurfit Kappa has also launched a waste to landfill assessment project to map opportunities to reduce waste throughout its operations, enabling specific waste reduction targets.

People
Smurfit Kappa’s most important asset is its people. The first ever company-wide employee engagement survey, MyVoice2014, gave all employees the opportunity to give their view on their personal working experience. This experience was well received as evidenced by a response rate of 80%. This provides a strong platform to continue making Smurfit Kappa a great place to work.

Delivering business value for customers through sustainability is part of Smurfit Kappa’s Open the future strategy, which is committed to opening up opportunities with forward-thinking customers by relentlessly applying our experience, expertise and ingenuity.
(Smurfit Kappa UK Head Office)

As one of the world's premier manufacturers of power transmission products, Tsubakimoto has developed a wide range of reliable products, specifically designed to meet the tough working environment of the paper and pulp industry.

From beginning to end, the paper manufacturing process involves the continuous movement of materials from the original woodchip to the finished paper roll and each process can benefit from the expertise of Tsubaki's design engineers. From drive chain and sprockets to couplings and reduction gearboxes, Tsubaki can deliver a wide range of products that will reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) and improve productivity and profitability.

To help those involved in operating and maintaining the many processes of paper manufacture achieve their performance and efficiency goals, Tsubaki has released a comprehensive product brochure, which is available on its website.

From beginning to end, the paper manufacturing process involves the continuous movement of materials from the original woodchip to the finished paper roll and each process can benefit from the expertise of Tsubaki's design engineers. From drive chain and sprockets to couplings and reduction gearboxes, Tsubaki can deliver a wide range of products that will reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) and improve productivity and profitability.

The operating environment within a typical paper manufacturing facility is often laden with dust that can stick to drive chains and block the conventional lubrication path. This can cause increased levels of wear in the drive chains, which will need more frequent maintenance, increasing costs and possibly reducing productivity and efficiency.

Tsubaki has developed a range of products, such as Lambda chain, which is a lube-free chain with oil impregnated sintered bushes that retain lubricant, thereby negating the need for external lubrication and extends the wear-life of chain dramatically. This can be matched with a drive chain sprocket that has a deep hardened layer over the entire component that provides excellent wear resistance for a long service life.

Derek Mack, Sales Director for Tsubaki UK, concludes: "Tsubaki invests heavily in R&D and offers a wide range of products which have been designed for all types of industries and environments. This means that for most applications, even traditional hard wearing ones, we are able to specify a solution which will last many times longer than a basic chain. We will conduct a site visit prior to specification to make sure that we understand the unique requirements of every job and can offer an accurate estimate for our chain's TCO."
(Tsubakimoto Europe B.V.)

29.06.2015 Emerson combines key maintenance tasks in a single tool for improved savings and efficiency
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CSI 2140 Machinery Health Analyzer adds an interface to laser shaft alignment fixtures, making technicians’ field time more productive

Picture: The CSI 2140 Machinery Health Analyzer adds an interface to laser shaft alignment fixtures, making technicians’ field time more productive

Emerson Process Management has enhanced its portable CSI 2140 Machinery Health Analyze​r with a wireless interface to popular laser shaft alignment tools. This advance reduces two burdens -- equipment and time -- for operators performing vibration analysis and corrective tasks in the field.

The CSI 2140 already offers four-channel plus phase data collection to save time and effort, advanced vibration analysis that embeds expertise in the tool, and multi-plane balancing to correct imbalance in industrial fans. By adding a wireless link to laser fixtures, Emerson further streamlines the work process. Using the CSI 2140, personnel can perform route-based vibration data collection; analyze the root cause; and align the machine -- all in one trip. At the same time, they can identify and solve machinery faults to prevent any unplanned downtime.

Tom Nelson, CSI 2140 senior technology manager at Emerson, defined the addition of alignment as, “the last piece of the puzzle to deliver a single, superior tool for diagnosing and correcting faults in rotating equipment.”

The shaft alignment option for the CSI 2140 uses the familiar, intuitive Emerson interface to guide technicians through a three-step process that quickly achieves precision alignment. The laser fixtures employ a unique Sweep technology to measure misalignment easily, even in tight clearance applications. An advanced option monitors the corrective machine moves in vertical and horizontal directions simultaneously. All data collected with the CSI 2140 can be uploaded wirelessly to a single database using the AMS Suite: Machinery Health™ Manager software. This enables the maintenance team to collect data, analyze problems, and document results in parallel.
(Emerson Process Management)

Xeikon, an innovator in digital color printing technology, announced the introduction of two new toners, MatteSilver and PalladiumSilver. The two special silver metallic toner colors will enable more creative possibilities for designers as well as label and package printers and converters using Xeikon’s digital printing technologies. The luxury-look MatteSilver and PalladiumSilver toners are the first products in the new Xeikon Creative Colors toner group, which recognizes and explores the added value that special effects bring to label and packaging print, especially in the consumer products arena.

MatteSilver offers the luxury of a rich metal finish to the print substrate while PalladiumSilver – uniquely available for digital print in the Xeikon portfolio – features a speckled silver sparkle for extra textural interest.

“With this new Creative Colors toner line, Xeikon is mirroring the capabilities of flexo and offset inks. We are giving label and packaging printers and converters the opportunity to offer brand owners added-value haptic and optic qualities with the Xeikon digital print process – popular features of brand promotion and marketing across the globe today,” explains Jeroen Van Bauwel, Director Product Management at Xeikon. “The Creative Colors toner line adds an exciting extra dimension to our recognized strengths in the label and packaging print arena – shorter runs, extended product variants and faster delivery times than conventional processes, and of course, personalization. They really make a design stand out!”

Creative Colors is a new group within this portfolio and these toners offer the same benefits as all of Xeikon’s toner in terms of food safety, lightfastness and eco-friendliness.

Van Bauwel adds, “Xeikon is really trailblazing with this new Creative Colors toner line – and we are confident that it will bring even more opportunities in the future for printers employing Xeikon presses to differentiate themselves from their competitors, and deliver the luxury effects that today’s brand owners want. These new toners also represent another step in the analog-to-digital transformation in print and packaging production, not only by enabling new applications but also by allowing printers and converters to migrate even more applications from conventional printing and finishing technologies to digital. And this is just the beginning!”
(Xeikon Manufacturing NV)

Manual greasing of production machinery is an important part of the maintenance activity. LubeRight is a PC aided – RFID based system that monitors every single lubrication activity performed. Each greasing point is equipped with a RFID transponder which the hand held meter identifies. The system registers the real amount of lubricant fed to each point.

The greaser can also study the history of any point. Apart from minimizing the probability of human errors the system also offers a new, interesting working environment for the greasers. The new improved version provides several new functions. The meter display shows the name of the greasing point as well as comments (how to find the point or any comment associated to the object in focus). The number of ungreased points will also be exposed on the display. The release date for the new version is August 2014. For additional information: http://www.luberight.com
(Assalub AB)

GEMÜ focused entirely on the motto "process reliability" at this year's ACHEMA trade fair. As a manufacturer of high-quality products, GEMÜ has always placed great importance on ensuring that these products are manufactured as precisely and reliably as possible. This is what ensures that the customer's systems in which the GEMÜ products are installed can be operated as reliably and cost-effectively as possible.

Perfect examples of current innovations include the impressive new two-piece 5M diaphragm which boasts an even longer service life in conjunction with the tried and tested GEMÜ seal system.
GEMÜ also presented the new 553 distribution valve. Its modular construction offers unprecedented flexibility. This valve is ideally suited for use anywhere where liquids have to be collected or mixed. It is also compatible with the GEMÜ modular system – actuators and sensors can be effortlessly integrated.

Intelligent networking
The GEMÜ F4 stand in hall 8 had a large Y at its centre. It is from here that GEMÜ presented the future of intelligent valve technology – CONEXO. The interaction between valve components equipped with RFID chips and an IT infrastructure, comprising the CONEXO APP and the CONEXO Portal, will actively improve process reliability.
Every valve and every relevant valve component, such as the body, actuator or diaphragm, can be clearly traced using serialization and read off at any time in the system using the RFID reader – the CONEXO PEN. The CONEXO APP, which can be installed on mobile devices, will not only simplify and improve the "Installation qualification" process; it will also make the maintenance process much more reliable and easier to document in the future. The app actively guides the maintenance technician through the maintenance schedule and directly provides him with all the information assigned to the valve, such as test reports, testing documentation and maintenance histories. This will optimize the maintenance processes in the systems and thus make a significant contribution to increasing process reliability.
GEMÜ CONEXO helps customers to understand and interpret the procedures in their systems even better and always with a higher-level objective in mind – to increase system availability.
(GEMÜ Gebr. Müller Apparatebau GmbH & Co. KG)

29.06.2015 Valmet receives two more orders from Kotkamills in Finland, both for automation technology
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Valmet has received two orders for automation technology from Kotkamills Oy in Finland to complement the major order for key technology for a paper machine conversion project announced in April. The first new order includes wet end automation solutions for Kotkamills' magazine paper production line PM 2 that will be rebuilt and converted to produce packaging board. The second order includes analyzers and advanced process controls for the pulp mill.

Photo: Valmet Kappa Analyzer and Valmet Recovery Liquor Analyzer

The startup of the rebuilt paper machine with new wet end automation is scheduled for the second quarter of 2016. The pulp mill quality improvement project, with new automation solutions is ongoing.

These orders are included in Valmet's second quarter 2015 orders received. The value of the orders is not disclosed. Typically, the order value of automation system deliveries ranges from below EUR 1 million to EUR 3 million.

"One automation platform, from quality, process and machine controls to sectional drive controls, helps us get a good start-up for the project and high availability after the project phase. Our existing know-how of the Valmet DNA system, common spare parts and our service contract with Valmet provide us with many benefits. Having one supplier for the automation system, application and field engineering of the board machine will streamline our work during the project," says Jari Mäkelä, Automation Project Manager, Kotkamills Oy.

"Today, automation solutions are very important tools for the operators and maintenance staff in ensuring maximum line availability and efficiency. Valmet's automation system and know-how enable fully integrated machine controls from headbox to reel. We have had many successful projects with Kotkamills in the past, and this delivery further strengthens our long cooperation," says Ari Pinjamaa, Vice President, Nordics, Valmet's Automation business line.

Technical information about the delivery
The automation delivery for the paper machine PM2 includes Valmet DNA machine and drive controls as well as a Valmet IQ Dilution Profiler. The latter is a profile control system for advanced positioning of the headbox valves to achieve the best possible weight profiles. All the solutions will be integrated within the Valmet DNA automation system, which is included in the order earlier announced.

Valmet will supply an upgrade of the evaporation plant at Södra Cell's Mönsterås pulp mill in Sweden. The upgrade will unload the capacity of the existing evaporation line No 1 and improve steam economy by increasing the capacity of the existing evaporation line No 2. The delivery is scheduled for autumn 2016.

The value of the order will not be disclosed. However, a project of this type and scope is typically valued at around EUR 10 million. The order is included in Valmet's second quarter 2015 orders received.

The new order follows a similar major evaporation plant upgrade of the Södra Cell, Värö mill, which was awarded to Valmet last year together with upgrades of most process areas in the same mill.

"We are looking forward to this project and are satisfied with the technical concept Valmet has offered us. This will improve the function of the evaporation plant, increase the energy efficiency and increase our profit," says Jonas Olander, Project Leader at Södra Cell Mönsterås.

"We see this evaporator upgrade bringing many benefits for Mönsterås mill. Besides improving the steam economy of the plant, we are implementing dry solids content control of the firing liquor to the recovery boiler. We will also add additional washing possibility of existing heating surface areas to improve plant availability. We are happy to continue our good co-operation with Södra Cell," says Fredrik Vedin, Product Sales Manager EVAPS at Valmet.

Details about the delivery
The evaporation plant in a mill concentrates black liquor coming from the digester. In the evaporation process the evaporated water is brought back to the pulp production process in order to minimize mill's water consumption. After evaporation the concentrated black liquor is fired in the recovery boiler for steam generation and recovery of cooking chemicals.

The new Valmet equipment to be installed will be two Tube Evaporators, a Falling Film Reflux Condenser and four liquor preheaters. A substantial upgrade of the piping system and an integration and upgrade of an existing condensate treatment system will also be performed.

Over the years Valmet has assisted Mönsterås mill by making several smaller and larger upgrades of the existing evaporators. The co-operation started in 2001 when Valmet replaced damaged lamellas with TUBEL and also installed a new TUBEL Super Concentrator.
(Valmet Corporation)

For optimum cutting results you need not only high quality creasing systems but also top quality precision rules. We can offer you top quality rules at attractive prices with our very own HS CITO range of rules.

We regard it as our duty to offer you the products you need. At the same time, we pay attention to a healthy balance between quality and price because we see ourselves as your "partner for success". We want to help you produce your cutting dies as effectively and cheaply as possible, without having to forego CITO quality.

HS CITO – is high-end steel from Japan, processed with European technology and paired with German know-how. A strong partnership for your success.(CITO-SYSTEM GmbH)

26.06.2015 Erhardt+Leimer and AVT announce their intent to Form a Strategic Alliance
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Erhardt+Leimer and AVT announce their intent to Form a Strategic Alliance to Provide Wider Range of Integrated Automation Solutions for the Printing and Converting Industries

Erhardt+Leimer, a leader in system solutions and process control equipment to web-based industries and AVT (Advanced Vision Technology), a leader in print inspection, print process control, and quality assurance, have announced their intention to form an alliance that will broaden product portfolios and strengthen services for customers of both companies, including end users and OEMs, through solutions born of the two companies’ combined experience and technological skills.

According to the companies understandings, in a first step AVT will acquire E+L’s automatic print inspection solutions and will assume the responsibility to develop and manage these solutions for both companies’ customers in the Label and Packaging applications, including the corrugated segment. In return E+L will be entitled to future earn outs and a cash payment as per the set terms. As part of the agreement, Dr. Michael Proeller, E+L’s CEO, will be appointed Chairman of AVT’s Advisory Board and serve as an observer on AVT’s Board of Directors.

The expected agreement makes AVT the official inspection and press control provider for E+L, positioning AVT as responsible for the companies' mutual automatic print inspection solutions development; this includes both current products and ongoing product developments in the printing sector. Being an integration specialist, E+L is the ideal partner for the realization of complex automation and inspection solutions. Each company will then offer solutions from both AVT and E+L to all customers.

Consequently in the next stage, the alliance will offer customers a wider selection of solutions that may originate from either AVT or E+L. This allows both companies to increase customer responsiveness and maximize global footprints.

Combined Technological Expertise Benefits Customers & OEMs

One major achievement of this strategic alliance will be the level of technological know-how it unites. E+L’s expertise in web, press and vision systems combined with AVT’s inspection, press control and workflow management capabilities will enable the companies to offer unsurpassed end-to-end quality control solutions.

The new joint portfolio includes comprehensive solutions such as:

Label & Narrow Web Inspection
E+L’s NYSCAN and AVT’s Helios platforms will be enhanced through combined support expertise and the increased potential for joint innovation.

Color
The alliance makes available the full range of color measurement and management solutions from both companies.

Comprehensive End-to-end
The alliance creates a one-stop-shop for total quality assurance and process control solutions, from web guides and vision systems through press control and automation.

Corrugated
The alliance instantly becomes a leading supplier and innovator for the corrugated industry’s fast-developing quality control needs. Existing products for corrugated printing will be further enhanced, and plans are in the works to introduce several additional offerings.

Many of the advantages to which customers will be privy also will be enjoyed by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that partner with either AVT or E+L. OEMs will benefit from the one-stop-shop created by the alliance, providing everything from web guides, measurement systems and viewers to press control solutions, workflow management set-ups and automation.

While there remain certain outstanding issues, the parties expect that these issues can be resolved in the next few weeks. Following resolutions of these issues, the parties will be able to sign definitive agreements.

“We look forward to working together with the great team at E+L to provide better solutions to our customers,” said Jaron Lotan, CEO of AVT. “This partnership is exciting for all involved and will broaden each firm’s reach and expertise. This alliance was founded and structured in a way that will allow us to bring the best of both companies together to create great value for customers, employees and shareholders.”

Dr. Michael Proeller, CEO of E+L: “Our two companies have known one another for decades, and have a high level of respect for the others’ products, technology and personnel. Maximizing customer satisfaction, comprising products, technology and global 365/24/7 coverage is the driving factor behind this alliance. We are convinced that, together, we will be building the top team and offerings in the industry for the benefit of our worldwide customers.”
(Erhardt + Leimer GmbH)

Metsä Board has announced that it is divesting the Data Copy brand and all its associated proprietary materials to Antalis International, in a deal that sees Antalis International take over the Data Copy brand from 1st July, 2015.

The deal between Metsä Board and Antalis International is based on Metsä Board's strategy to focus on paperboard. The company announced in December 2014 its plans to discontinue the majority of paper production at the Husum mill in Sweden by the end of 2015. Uncoated fine paper business reel production will, however, continue until linerboard sales volumes from the mill have grown to full capacity, targeted for the end of 2017 at the latest.

The Data Copy brand was founded in 1983 and has built a reputation as a trusted brand known for its premium quality and sustainability. Over the years, many innovations and market firsts have been introduced for this brand, for example, easy opening packaging and Grab&Go soft carry handles.
(Metsä Board Corporation)

Renova will build its first production site outside of Portugal. The company plans to produce tissue products in Saint-Yorre, France in the future. The new mill is to be commissioned in late 2015.

Portuguese tissue products manufacturer Renova will build its first production site outside of Portugal in Saint-Yorre to the west of Lyon on the premises of a defunct dairy. The new site will create 30 jobs and is to be commissioned by the end of this year. Renova did not disclose the investment amount.

At the new mill in Saint-Yorre, Renova plans to produce toilet paper and kitchen rolls on one production line. The company did not provide information regarding the site's capacity. The products are initially to be sold in France, Belgium and Luxemburg, later on also in Northern Europe.

Furthermore, a company spokesman said the necessary foundations would be laid to eventually produce tissue at the new site at a later stage. For the moment, however, there were no plans for such a move and the company would solely focus on the production of tissue products, he added. (EUWID Pulp and Paper)

Paul Gatenholm, professor in Polymer TA group of researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have managed to print and dry three-dimensional objects made entirely by cellulose for the first time with the help of a 3D-bioprinter. They also added carbon nanotubes to create electrically conductive material. The effect is that cellulose and other raw material based on wood will be able to compete with fossil-based plastics and metals in the on-going additive manufacturing revolution, which started with the introduction of the 3D-printer.

Photo: The tiny chair made of cellulose is a demonstrational object printed by the 3D bioprinter at Chalmers University of Technology.

3D printing is a form of additive manufacturing that is predicted to revolutionise the manufacturing industry. The precision of the technology makes it possible to manufacture a whole new range of objects and it presents several advantages compared to older production techniques. The freedom of design is great, the lead time is short, and no material goes to waste.

Plastics and metals dominate additive manufacturing. However, a research group at Chalmers University of Technology have now managed to use cellulose from wood in a 3D printer.

“Combing the use of cellulose to the fast technological development of 3D printing offers great environmental advantages,” says Paul Gatenholm, professor of Biopolymer Technology at Chalmers and the leader of the research group. “Cellulose is an unlimited renewable commodity that is completely biodegradable, and manufacture using raw material from wood, in essence, means to bind carbon dioxide that would otherwise end up in the atmosphere.

The breakthrough was accomplished at Wallenberg Wood Science Center, a research center aimed at developing new materials from wood, at Chalmers University of Technology.

The difficulty using cellulose in additive manufacturing is that cellulose does not melt when heated. Therefore, the 3D printers and processes designed for printing plastics and metals cannot be used for materials like cellulose. The Chalmers researchers solved this problem by mixing cellulose nanofibrils in a hydrogel consisting of 95-99 percent water. The gel could then in turn be dispensed with high fidelity into the researchers’ 3D bioprinter, which was earlier used to produce scaffolds for growing cells, where the end application is patient-specific implants.

The next challenge was to dry the printed gel-like objects without them losing their three-dimensional shape.

“The drying process is critical,” Paul Gatenholm explains. “We have developed a process in which we freeze the objects and remove the water by different means as to control the shape of the dry objects. It is also possible to let the structure collapse in one direction, creating thin films.

Using the two gels together, one conductive and one non-conductive, and controlling the drying process, the researchers produced three-dimensional circuits, where the resolution increased significantly upon drying.

The two gels together provide a basis for the possible development of a wide range of products made by cellulose with in-built electric currents.

“Potential applications range from sensors integrated with packaging, to textiles that convert body heat to electricity, and wound dressings that can communicate with healthcare workers,” says Paul Gatenholm. “Our research group now moves on with the next challenge, to use all wood biopolymers, besides cellulose.

The research findings are presented this week at the conference New Materials From Trees that takes place in Stockholm, Sweden, June 15-17.

The research team members are Ida Henriksson, Cristina de la Pena, Karl Håkansson, Volodymyr Kuzmenko and Paul Gatenholm at Chalmers University of Technology.
(Chalmers University of Technology)

26.06.2015 emtec Electronic looks back to a successful exhibition week at the RosUpack 2015
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Company news
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Innovative Tools to Optimize Production and Converting Processes

The company emtec Electronic GmbH attended the Russian „RosUpack 2015“ in June in Moscow. In the red emtec corner in hall 2 of the exhibition, visitors were able to talk to specialists from emtec in Germany and from the representative company Sigma Micron in Russia. In particular, producers and converters of paper and board as well as suppliers of chemicals, glue, coating color, printing ink, but also institutes can indeed be very well supported by the emtec measuring instruments.
In the converting process of paper and board sometimes problems occur in the gluing, coating and printing process, but the reason is unclear, as the specifications are according to standard testing instruments. Nobody knows if it is due to the quality of the paper or the glue, coating color or printing ink.

The company emtec developed a method to find out the reason. In Moscow one of the solutions was presented - the EST12 Surface & Sizing Tester. In order to predict the interaction between paper or board and the liquid during coating, printing and gluing, the device characterizes the surface parameters of paper and board, which are relevant for the converting process, in the process-relevant time. Its application leads to the optimization of the production and converting processes and therefore to reducing the costs and achieving respectively improving the quality of the product.
Problems in the quality of the finished product can also be caused by non-optimal process control in the wet end area of paper and board production. emtec Electronic has presented two essential measuring devices for the optimization of wet end area: the CAS Charge Analyzing System for determining the particle charge and the FPA Fiber Potential Analyzer for measuring the Zeta Potential of fibers in the suspension. Both help to guarantee and improve the targeted properties of finished products and to reduce the consumption of chemicals.
(emtec Electronic GmbH)

Following start-up of TM1 in January of this year, international technology Group ANDRITZ has successfully started up the second tissue paper machine with steel Yankee supplied to Zhejiang Jingxing Paper, China.

The PrimeLineST C8 machine has a design speed of 1,900 m/min at a width of 2.85 m. The Yankee, manufactured entirely of steel, has a diameter of 18 feet. In combination with its head insulation and the steam-heated hood, it enables a high drying capacity at reduced energy costs.

25.06.2015 New study by Swedish Environmental Research Institute shows that paper is better than plastic
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IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute has concluded a comparative study on the environmental performance of different packaging solutions. The study compares the lifecycles of plastic products versus corresponding paper products from BillerudKorsnäs. The results show that paper has considerably more favorable environmental qualities than plastic, such as 50-70% lower greenhouse gas emissions.

IVL’s study looks at the entire product lifecycle, from material production up until it is thrown away or recycled. Although the transportation and packaging production of plastic products emits less greenhouse gas, the results show that the overall product lifecycle of paper products give rise to far less emissions. Material production of both paper and plastic packaging is the most energy intense part of production. But according to the study, which has been verified by Bureau Veritas, plastic production emits far more greenhouse gas than paper production.

“The results of the study challenge a common misconception that the production of paper packaging is more energy consuming and environmentally detrimental than the production of plastic packaging. An important reason why the production of the tested BillerudKorsnäs packaging materials emits less greenhouse gas is that their process is almost entirely run on renewable energy. Another reason is that the total energy consumption for production of these products is lower”, says Lena Dahlgren, project manager, IVL.

Plastic littering a concern for the European Union
The EU parliament has recently introduced measures that will limit the use of plastic bags in Europe. The aim is to decrease their use from 200 plastic bags per person and year to 90 plastic bags per person and year before the end of 2019. Each member country will be free to decide how this goal will be achieved, but a possible solution might be to increase the use of paper bags.

“BillerudKorsnäs welcomes the EU initiative to deal with Europe’s littering problems. Paper and board packaging are not the only solutions. It is important to reduce littering, regardless of material. But given a choice between plastic and paper, we believe that our products can contribute to solutions against both plastic littering as well as climate change, two of our times largest sustainability challenges”, says Henrik Essén, SVP Communication and Sustainability, BillerudKorsnäs.
(BillerudKorsnäs AB (publ))

25.06.2015 APP and A.Celli: an important relationship
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At the start of the year, an important order to A.Celli Paper by Asian Group APP, one of the major global paper and cellulose producers, was finalized. Five tissue rewinders that will be assigned to two different facilities belonging to the customer in China.

The rewinders model AC 882 are characterized by a paper format of 5,630 millimetres and attain working speeds of up to 1,400 m/min with paper that goes from 12.5 to 45 g/m2. With a parent reel diameter of 3,100 millimetres, the customer obtains a finished roll having a max diameter of 2,250 millimetres.

This order is the demonstration of the good business relationship that exists between the two groups as well the natural confirmation of repeat orders for other supplies in the past, such as the tissue machines purchased at regular intervals in 2005, in 2008 until the order in 2013 that included four systems, all delivered in 2014 and one already in production.

All this goes to confirm how A.Celli Paper is a valid supplier for every customer, and that it can meet diverse demands and obtain the loyalty of even large Groups having special requests such as APP, building long-term relationships based on mutual trust and on recognition of their respective competences and expertise.
(A. Celli Paper S.p.A.)

Savcor has sold its first Wedge Process Diagnostics System in Australia. A full-site Wedge has been delivered to a company providing paper and cardboard recycling services. Implementation and training is now going on and the system will be fully operational by the autumn 2015.
(Savcor Forest Oy)

VariLane 4.0, a unique tool for label production and substrate optimization, now fully integrated in Xeikon X-800 4.0 digital front-end

Xeikon, an innovator in digital color printing technology, announced a new version of VariLane, its imposition software plug-in for the Xeikon X-800 digital front-end (DFE). VariLane 4.0 is now fully integrated within the X-800 4.0 workflow and is specifically designed to allow label printers greater flexibility in the production of labels, providing increased profit opportunities. With this development, Xeikon has added a significant enhancement to the ability for label printers to optimize productivity and profitability by printing labels of different sizes and run lengths on the same web in discreet lanes. In addition, VariLane 4.0 is a key enabler in meeting the needs of brand owners for short run lengths and just-in-time delivery.

“Xeikon has a strong and continuing focus on the label market, and VariLane 4.0 is proof of our ongoing commitment to supporting the needs of label printers in every way possible,” says Jeroen Van Bauwel, Director Product Management at Xeikon. “With prepress activities minimized, and utilizing all of the integrated benefits of the X-800 DFE, label printers can easily combine different jobs on one substrate – even for labels of different heights and widths and with different run lengths. And they can easily make last-minute adjustments to artwork or add variable data. This is a real advance in optimizing label production and further increasing profitability for label printers. This type of out-of-the-box thinking and unique value-add sets Xeikon apart in the world of digital label printing.”

Supporting the label printer with innovative solutions
The unique VariLane plug-in, launched four years ago as a standalone tool and now integrated into the X-800 workflow, brought to commercial reality the concept of printing different labels in lanes of different widths and heights across the same web. Imposition – arranging the labels on the roll in order to serve the proper application of the labels in later production processes – is a fundamental step in prepress. Typically, labels are arranged in lanes across the web roll, and because labels had to be of equal size, the print lanes were also of equal size. This imposed limitations on both productivity and efficient use of substrates. VariLane gives prepress operators the freedom to combine labels in print lanes of variable sizes which improves throughput and reduces waste. In fact, label printers working with VariLane have been able to substantially increase their productivity and reduce material wastage, with resultant cost savings of up to 30%. This unique capability is made possible by the full rotary technology of Xeikon digital presses, combined with their variable repeat length.

With VariLane 4.0 and its full integration with the X-800 DFE, yet another dimension is added to the versatility of Xeikon’s digital technology and the optimization of digital print production. The VariLane concept combines prepress, data processing and press operation functionality, seamlessly integrated with existing workflows and business processes, while maintaining flexibility and quality. VariLane 4.0 makes last-minute corrections to artwork easy to achieve, and Xeikon’s metadata tool can be employed to add barcodes or sequential numbering to labels as required.

“Combining different jobs in the same print run has never been easier. And for label printers working with our wide-web Xeikon 3050 and 3500 presses, it’s a perfect fit!” Van Bauwel adds. “But even with narrower rolls, label printers can optimize their productivity, reduce costs and increase profitability. And that is all possible today with Xeikon technology, without sacrificing the standards of professional and functional excellence brand owners expect – no matter how short the print run or delivery time.”

VariLane 4.0 is a plug-in for the recently launched Xeikon X-800 4.0 digital front-end which will be commercially available at the end of June. Xeikon will also demonstrate the capabilities of this unique tool at Labelexpo Europe 2015 on its stand B/C 50 in Hall 9.
(Xeikon Manufacturing NV)

European Association of the Self-Adhesive Labeling Industry Presents Award to Schreiner Group

Photo: Helmut Schreiner (right) received the price of the FINAT Label Competition.

FINAT, the European association of the self-adhesive labeling industry, recognized the industry’s most innovative products from the 2015 FINAT Label Competition and the 2014 World Label Awards at its congress held in Amsterdam on June 11. In spite of fierce competition, Schreiner Group was able to convince the judges at the 35th event with an innovative marking label that includes covert copying protection.

In the industrial end use group, the ‘Parts Marking Label with Authentication Features’ was recognized with the 1. Place award. The label rolls two benefits into one. First, it serves as a marking which is directly applied to a molded plastic part or a painted metal cover. In addition, it contains a covert BitSecure copying protection feature. This feature can be read with a smartphone, enabling reliable product authentication by inspectors, customs officials and distributors.

“The FINAT award is an excellent acknowledgment of our constant pursuit of innovations and shows that innovation is a corporate value being lived at Schreiner Group. All our employees are continually encouraged to think outside the box and to contribute new ideas,” said Roland Schreiner, Managing Shareholder of Schreiner Group. Helmut Schreiner, representing Schreiner Group as Shareholder, received the price of the FINAT Label Competition and the World Label Award. Helmut Schreiner, representing Schreiner Group as Shareholder, received the price of the FINAT Label Competition and the World Label Award.
(Schreiner Group GmbH & Co. KG)

Asahi Photoproducts has launched a new plate in the Pinning Top Dot Technology (PTD) family, the AFP™-TSP (Top Soft Pinning) for paper, folding carton and corrugated board applications, as well as for all flexible packaging such as aluminium or film substrates.

The new medium hard plate comes in four thicknesses with Shore A hardness ranging from 48 to 69, and complements the harder AFP™-TOP plates launched last year. AFP™-TSP plates are tailor-made for paper and higher quality corrugated board applications with water-based inks. They are also compatible with solvent and most UV-curable inks, enabling all converters to benefit from PTD technology.

A specially engineered Asahi polymer chemistry creates a low plate surface tension, which causes ink to form a globule and remain on the dot without running down the shoulders. This creates a higher ink profile with a large contact angle and high pinning point that delivers cleaner ink transfer from plate to substrate.

The AFP™-TSP also facilitates homogeneous ink transfer in solid and line work, and better control of ink trapping when different colour inks are printed on top of each other.

“The new plate perfectly complements the harder AFP™-TOP plate for high quality screen work within one job,” said Dr. Dieter Niederstadt, Technical Marketing Manager, Asahi Photoproducts Europe. “AFP™-TSP and the harder AFP™-TOP provide the perfect solution that can encourage brand owners and retail chains to transfer their work from other printing technologies to flexography”.

Technology for improved efficiencies
All four plates in the AFP™-TSP series offer a resolution of 175 lpi. The plate thicknesses available are 1.14 mm (Shore A hardness 69), 1.7 mm (Shore A 58), 2.54 mm (Shore A 49) and 2.84 mm (Shore A 48). These plates are also compatible with the latest screening and micro-cell technologies, making them suitable for the broadest range of today’s imaging technologies and application demands.

AFP™-TSP plates have a more malleable structure than other flexo plates, giving them superb limpness that significantly reduces plate lift, especially with applications on small cylinders such as pre-printing belt machines.

Plate lift can cause plate damage and print defects, and is remedied only by stopping the press. A strong base lamination also provides plate stability in difficult printing conditions while the printing surface has good abrasion-resistance properties, extending the life of the plate.

The combination of print quality, durability, and longer uninterrupted runs makes AFP™-TSP plates a solution that can easily be introduced into production environments without the need for additional equipment investments. The combination of PTD technology and AFP™-TSP plates enables packaging converters, through a series of incremental improvements, to better respond to customer demands, improve quality and maintain a competitive edge.
(Asahi Photoproducts Europe n.v./s.a. Deutschland)

Rock-Tenn Company (RockTenn) (NYSE:RKT) announced the preliminary results of the elections made by its shareholders as to the form of merger consideration they wish to receive in connection with the combination of RockTenn and MeadWestvaco Corporation (MWV) (NYSE:MWV) into WestRock Company (WestRock).

As previously announced, under the terms of the business combination agreement, by and among RockTenn, MWV, WestRock, Rome Merger Sub, Inc. and Milan Merger Sub, LLC, subject to proration, allocation and certain limitations set forth in the business combination agreement, shareholders of RockTenn had the option to elect to receive for each share of RockTenn common stock (except for excluded shares and dissenting shares as more particularly set forth in the business combination agreement):
-the right to receive an amount in cash equal to the volume weighted average price per share of RockTenn common stock on the New York Stock Exchange for the consecutive period over the five trading days immediately preceding (but not including) the third trading day prior to the effective time of the combination (the "Cash Consideration"); or
-the right to receive one fully paid and nonassessable share of WestRock common stock (the "Stock Consideration").

Based on available information as of the election deadline, 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on June 23, 2015, the preliminary merger consideration election results were as follows:
-holders of 89,932,763 shares of RockTenn common stock, or approximately 63.8% of the outstanding shares of RockTenn common stock, elected to receive the Stock Consideration (which includes 4,767,371 shares of RockTenn common stock that made elections pursuant to guaranteed delivery procedures);
-holders of 14,047,427 shares of RockTenn common stock, or approximately 10.0% of the outstanding shares of RockTenn common stock, elected to receive the Cash Consideration (which includes 1,825,362 shares of RockTenn common stock that made elections pursuant to guaranteed delivery procedures); and
-holders of 36,906,413 shares of RockTenn common stock, or approximately 26.2% of the outstanding shares of RockTenn common stock, failed to make a valid election prior to the Election Deadline.

Because, based on such preliminary results, the Cash Consideration option is expected to be oversubscribed, the consideration to be received by the holders who elected the Cash Consideration is expected to be prorated pursuant to the terms set forth in the business combination agreement. After the final results of the merger consideration election process are determined, the final allocation of merger consideration will be calculated in accordance with the terms of the business combination agreement.

The parties are still awaiting the approval of the proposed combination by the shareholders of RockTenn and the stockholders of MWV at the respective special meetings to be held later this morning. Assuming receipt of such approvals, RockTenn and MWV expect to close the combination on July 1, 2015.
(Rock-Tenn Co)

24.06.2015 Stora Enso to close its packaging unit in Chennai, India
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Company news
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Stora Enso plans to permanently shut down the Group’s corrugated packaging converting unit in Chennai, India, due to unprofitability and a major decrease in local market demand.

The mill closure will involve negotiations with the local employees’ union. The mill employs 350 people, who will receive compensation and other support including training, medical care and assistance in finding new employment.

The packaging unit in Chennai has been part of Stora Enso since July 2011, following the Group’s acquisition of 51% of the shares in Inpac International in China. Today, Stora Enso Inpac offers fibre-based packaging solutions. Chennai Mill in India produces transport and consumer packaging made of corrugated board, for sale primarily in Chennai and Tamil Nadu region.

The total negative impact on Stora Enso’s operating profit in the second quarter of 2015 will be approximately EUR 8 million, mainly related to a restructuring provision. Excluding this one-time impact, the closure will not have a material impact on Stora Enso’s sales and operational EBIT.
(Stora Enso Oyj)

Photo: A diagram of a six-colour press with coater in the then revolutionary unit-type design

Some 50 years ago most colour prints had to be passed through the press several times. On the one hand predominantly only one or two-colour presses were available and on the other hand from a technological point of view the prints required up to 12 colours. The establishment of the “short” colour scale (BCMY) in offset printing made production more rational on four-colour presses. These widely available presses were, however, a combination of two two-colour presses in a tandem design in line with the five-cylinder principle. This resulted in shortcomings with regard to press technology as every two printing units used a single impression cylinder. This type of construction also meant a huge amount of effort for press manufacturers, especially when it came to large-format presses. After assembly and print tests at the manufacturers’ plant, the machines then had to be taken apart again to a large extent and the many single components had to reassembled a second time when it reached the customer.

1965: Sensation at the spring trade fair in Leipzig
At the beginning of the 1960s engineers at the Planeta press plants (a member of the KBA group as KBA Radebeul since 2001) thus toyed with the idea of building a press without all of these grave disadvantages. The switch from the tandem to today’s dominating unit-type design for sheetfed offset presses began with the launch of the Planeta Variant P4 (B3 format) at the spring show in Leipzig in 1965. The future-focused design was even applied to large-format presses from Radebeul only two years later. The world first from Saxony 50 unveiled years ago was one of the technological milestones which fundamentally changed sheetfed press engineering and today is widely used by a raft of manufacturers.

Pros of the unit-type design

The unit-type design was then a completely new and revolutionary press design in line with the three-cylinder principle. For the first time the individual parts and the technical properties were identical in every printing unit. This offered a raft of advantages which today still apply to all subsequent presses in the Planeta Variant series up to the cutting-edge KBA Rapidas:
-High level of flexibility when it comes to tailoring a press’ configuration to the needs of a printing house
-Significant reduction in the number of different parts when producing the press
-Short assembly time at the customer’s given the delivery of completely assembled parts
-Accurate print register via a superior drive system
-Smooth sheet travel given the first double-size impression cylinders and transfer drums
-Lower number of sheet transfer points between the printing units
-Outstanding dot-sharp reproduction compared to other presses.

Convertible perfecting in one sheet pass (Planeta patent from 1967) is also based on the unit-type design. While it was only possible to place an imprinter in front of the first printing unit with the tandem design, perfecting on a unit-type press is possible anywhere. The prerequisites for today’s eight, ten or twelve-unit presses for 4/4, 5/5 or 6/6 printing and indeed other special configurations were thus created back then.

New technology opens up new possibilities
The new technology with double-size cylinder systems opens up completely new possibilities for printers in terms of print quality and substrate flexibility. The streamlined, smooth sheet travel delivers significant advantages especially for cartonboard printers. Accordingly, the Variants and Varimats from Radebeul were installed in a raft of packaging plants worldwide at an early stage. Thus the foundations for the press manufacturer’s leading position in folding carton printing were laid half a century ago. This is also true for today’s cutting-edge high-tech Rapidas. KBA Rapidas are the first choice for printers of heavy board, beer mat board and corrugated. Furthermore, large-format Rapidas printing units are also implemented into KBA Metalstar metal-decorating presses. It is not without reason that KBA is the global market leader in large-format packaging printing presses. The unit-type design can also be found at KBA in superlarge format 150 x 205cm (59 x 80.7in) with the Rapida 205 launched in 2004 as the world’s largest sheetfed offset press.
The unit-type row design was also the prerequisite for the flexible integration of coating, drying and other finishing units in presses that are becoming increasingly longer. It delivered the huge level of flexibility in terms of printing and finishing equipment in sheetfed offset presses that is now standard. Sheetfed offset presses have become even longer since then. A KBA Rapida 106 in Switzerland holds the world record with 19 printing and finishing units.

The fundamental ideas are still in place today
It goes without saying that the basic inventions have been updated regularly over the last 50 years and brought up-to-date technologically. Today’s standard production output of up to 20,000sph on the Rapidas and extensively automated printing and makeready processes were still unheard of in the 1960s. The Planeta Variant P4 was engineered for 10,000sph and nonstop operation for 8,000sph, half as fast as the KBA Rapida 106. The speed and makeready world champion in medium format even permits job changes on the fly (Flying JobChange) without stopping the press.
All leading press manufacturers use the unit-type design with the usual modifications in their sheetfed offset presses today. In our fast-paced world it is easy to forget that it was the clever engineers from Saxony who first had this ground-breaking idea and that it often took decades for others to adopt it. Nevertheless, this often happens in the history of technology.
(Koenig & Bauer AG (KBA))

24.06.2015 Ricoh Shows Off Colour Trade Book Production Expertise at Interquest Forum
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Company news
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Ricoh Europe’s growing influence and expertise in colour trade book production will be a hot topic at the Interquest 2015 London Digital Book Printing Forum on June 25.

Ricoh is again a key sponsor of the annual event and will be highlighting how market and technology changes are encouraging publishers to look at new business models. This includes detailing how high quality colour inkjet enables affordable, shorter run and faster turnaround work to meet demand for flexible publishing and to create new market and revenue opportunities.

“With innovations such as the Ricoh Pro™ VC60000, Ricoh’s commitment to offering the best in print production technology in the book printing market is confirmed and is perfectly timed to address publishers’ growing demand for colour trade books printed on inkjet technology,” states Benoit Chatelard, Vice President, Production Printing Business Group, Ricoh Europe, who will participate in the vendors’ session discussing plans for drupa. “This is a game changer because suddenly it is possible to produce colour trade books affordably as well as keep books in print while controlling supply chain costs – all at very high quality.

“So far, just a few months after the Pro VC60000 was announced, two major publishers and a book manufacturer have all said this technology delivers the best quality they have seen,” he says. “That optimism is coupled with an increased interest from key publishers in bringing trade book production back to Europe from China and the Far East.”

Chatelard explains that there is also a growing market for short-run pre-production samples that can be produced digitally. “This approach can help accelerate the print cycle because high quality samples prompt the placement of earlier orders.”

Also helping transform the route to market are Ricoh’s digital cut sheet production presses, as client Lantia will explain when it participates in the Innovations and Opportunities session at the Interquest Forum. The Spanish self-publishing start-up produces books for stores and uses crowd-sourcing to fund aspiring authors. It has established a short run capability from scratch using Ricoh mono and colour cut sheet technology after being unable to locate a local printer that could meet its needs.

“It was essential for us to improve the book printing process and considerably shorten the time to market, regardless of the number of books,” states Lantia’s Enrique Parrilla, General Manager. “Thanks to our investments and approach to the market, Lantia can now deliver more books to more customers in less time. We are closer to publishers and are able to offer improved quality in a number of different formats. We are as flexible as we can be thanks to Ricoh’s production solutions and, in turn, so are our customers.”

At the Forum, Ricoh will be using children’s book Wild Adventures to demonstrate how the Ricoh Pro VC60000 can deliver the right quality for book printers and publishers who are looking to print short run colour trade books in Europe. The bookis part of the Modern Books line from Elwin Street. Other examples will include cookery and popular science books. Ricoh will also be showcasing the latest innovations in book covers and dust jackets, including a foil effect created by the Ricoh ProTM C7100X colour cut sheet press using a combination of white toner and metallic paper.
(Ricoh Europe PLC)

Making marketing plans for the incoming year? Make sure that you will add International Wood Biorefining Week to your marketing plans. International Wood Biorefining Week combines three strong events for the forest industry: International Pulp & Paper Week, Bioeconomy Innovation Forum and World Bioenergy. The three events will be organized in the same exhibition hall, May 24-26, 2016 in Stockholm:

International Pulp & Paper Week
The most important event for the pulp and paper industry that will continue the tradition of exhibitions in Stockholm since 1968. The last event was attended by 9064 visitors and 650 exhibiting companies.

Bioeconomy Innovation Forum
The new event for innovations and new biobased products from the forest industry like Biochemicals, Textile Fibres, Bioplastics, Nanocellulose and Consumer packaging.
Visitors from different manufacturing industries. The event will be marketed to several industry sectors interested in the products and solutions from the forest industry. This is the meeting place where the forest industry will meet with other industries in order to discuss and identify business opportunities.

World Bioenergy
The most important and international tradeshow for the forest based bioenergy industry organized since 2004. The last event was attended by almost 4000 visitors from 80 different countries.

Meet Adforum at the Zellcheming expo in Frankfurt next week!
You are welcome to our exhibition stand 11.0–E40 at the Zellheming expo in Frankfurt 30.6-2.7.2016 to discuss participation possibilities. The booking is already in full swing – make sure that you will get the best location in the hall!

Three strong events for the entire wood biorefining industry
Three strong events in the same hall at the same time will guarantee a large, efficient and timely meeting place for the quickly changing forest industry where an integrated process industry is becoming an ever more important part of the product mix.
(Adforum AB)

Why Paper Middle East 2015? ... Because you will:
» Meet face to face with Official Trade Missions and buyers hosted from African & Middle East countries
» Attend a high level international technical conference serving the paper industry to address the different demands and problems in the sector
» Target strategic opportunities in the Middle East& Africa the fastest growing market with higher return on foreign investments
» Plan your marketing and sales strategy for the upcoming years
» Enhance your corporate image, make your brand visible in the Middle East & Africa
» Meet all paper industry market leaders
» Launch and showcase new products and technologies
» Evaluate your competitors' position in the Middle East & Africa
» Manage your relationship with current overseas customers, agents, and distributers
» Gain media exposure for your business in Africa & Middle East
(Nile Trade Fairs)

24.06.2015 Valmet has received a repeat order for two energy recovery systems from Sofidel in Italy and Poland
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Company news
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In order to increase energy efficiency of its tissue production lines, Sofidel SPA in Italy has ordered two Advantage ReTurne energy recovery systems from v. The system does not only recover energy from the headbox jet power, but also returns it back to the process as electrical energy.

The order is included in Valmet's second quarter 2015 orders received. The value of the order will not be disclosed.

For Sofidel it is important to find new innovative solutions to reduce the environmental impact of its production. The company has joined Climate Savers, the international program promoted by WWF, to voluntarily adopt plans to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases using innovative strategies and technologies.

"The first installation of Valmet's Advantage ReTurne energy saving system has been a positive experience for us. Its energy saving capabilities turned out to be better than we hoped for. Therefore we have decided to improve the energy efficiency in two more of our tissue machines," says Simone Capuano, Vice Chief Technical Officer, Sofidel.

"Energy saving is high on our customers' agendas, and we are working hard to develop energy efficiency in our new and existing tissue making solutions. Our high expectations on the first Advantage ReTurne system were substantially exceeded. We are thus convinced that the two new installations will be as successful as the first one, and will help Sofidel reach its environmental targets," says Johan Björn, Sales Director EMEA, Valmet.

Technical information
The Advantage ReTurne energy recovery system is installed in the forming section. It is unique in that sense that it recovers 50% of the energy from the headbox drainage water and via a generator converts it into electrical power which is supplied to the sectional drives. The Advantage ReTurne does not affect the formation of the paper or the tissue making process, it is easy to handle and has low maintenance need. This new innovation is very efficient in both new and existing tissue machines.
(Valmet Corporation)

Iggesund Paperboard is taking major steps to further develop its delivery service. The company will now expand its long-term cooperation with SCA, which dates from 1995. As of summer 2016 about 1,000,000 tonnes of paperboard, paper and pulp will be shipped annually via the new transport link to and from Kiel. Together SCA and Iggesund have the necessary volumes to create cost-effective transport solutions with a high service level to continental Europe. The change involves the vessels and also a new main terminal in Germany.

“We are gaining access to more modern vessels. Combined with changes to our European sheeting operations, this will lay the foundation for a better delivery service,” comments Christina Törnquist, Logistics Director at Iggesund Paperboard.

Next year Iggesund will move from its present terminal in Lübeck to the Port of Kiel. The latter was chosen for its better development possibilities and good long-term owners, who are also willing to invest in high quality.

“The location is optimal for our planned service development,” Törnquist explains. “It is close both to our customers and to our service station. It is also strategically positioned close to the Kiel Canal, which allows for many new possibilities in the future.”

Under the new arrangement Iggesund will be able to ship paperboard with the same frequency as before, both to Kiel and to other ports. The new sea transport arrangements and new terminal are part of the in-depth review of its service that Iggesund is currently conducting.

“Delivery service is my speciality and I am pleased with the measures we are taking now,” Törnquist says. “Equally important, though, is the service package we are launching under the name of ‘Care by Iggesund’. It includes everything from the fast delivery of samples to local technical support and an extensive range of knowledge material that enables customers to get the most out of our paperboard.”
(Iggesund Paperboard AB)

One step in the investment programme for Södra Cell Mönsterås is to invest in two new evaporators, which are scheduled for completion in October 2016. Procurement of the evaporators and refurbishment of Evaporation 2 has now been completed. The contract was awarded to Valmet.

The aim of the project is to increase energy efficiency, reduce electricity consumption and obtain a cleaner condensate. Evaporation capacity will increase in Evaporation 2, while the load on Evaporation 1 will be reduced. The investment will give Mönsterås a cleaner condensate, thereby increasing the purity of the finished pulp. A cleaner condensate will also reduce the need for bleaching chemicals, which will have a positive impact on pulp strength.

The upgraded plant will be started up during scheduled maintenance downtime in 2016, but some groundwork will be done during the 2015 stoppage.

Another part of the project is the replacement of control systems for the tall oil department and Evaporation 2. The former will be carried out during the 2015 stoppage, while the replacement for Evaporation 2 will take place during the 2016 stoppage.

In the evaporation plant of a pulp mill, more than 90 percent of the water contained in incoming black liquor, or "weak black liquor", is extracted, to obtain heavy black liquor. Extracting water raises the heat value of the heavy black liquor for its subsequent combustion in the recovery boiler.
(Södra Cell AB)

"Verso has harmonized two of its uncoated freesheet web product offerings into one comprehensive brand, Ideal® Offset," says Mike Weinhold, Verso Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Product Development. "Our customers have been asking for a more blue-white uncoated web product, so we took this opportunity to improve the shade of the product to better meet their needs."

Weinhold adds, "Ideal® Offset will be produced and serviced to the same high standards as Verso's other distinguished brands. We are committed to listening and responding to evolving marketplace needs in order to earn and keep our customers' loyalty."
(Verso Corporation)

UPM permanently closes paper machine No.3 at UPM Chapelle Darblay in France as of 22 June. The consultations regarding its closure were finalised at the end of April and approved by the Labour administration in the beginning of June. The plan to close the machine was announced in November 2014. The closure has an impact on 187 positions at the mill.

“This year the European newsprint market has faced even stronger headwind than expected. However, our collective actions will ensure the efficient use of our remaining capacity and secure reliable deliveries to our customers,” says Bernd Eikens, Executive Vice President, UPM Paper ENA.

The announced decision is part of UPM’s EUR 150 million profit improvement target introduced in November 2014.The full profit improvement programme includes variable and fixed cost savings in all UPM businesses and functions.
(UPM)

Kemira will implement a price increase of up to 15 % for selected AKD (alkyl ketene dimer) based sizing products in EMEA. The adjustment will be immediately implemented or as the existing AKD-sizing contracts allow. The price adjustment is a result of increased costs within the AKD-wax supply chain. AKD-wax is the main raw material for AKD-sizing products.
(Kemira, Paper Segment)

23.06.2015 ANDRITZ subsidiary Schuler acquires majority stake in Yadon, one of the leading ...
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Company news
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... press manufacturers in China

Schuler AG, a member of international technology Group ANDRITZ, has signed a contract for the acquisition of a 51% stake in the Chinese press and machine tool manufacturer Yangzhou Metal Forming Machine Tool Co., Ltd. (Yadon). Yadon is one of the leading manufacturers of mechanical presses in China and has annual sales of approximately 120 million euros. It was agreed not to disclose the purchase price. The acquisition is subject to approval by anti-trust authorities.
Yadon is based in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, around 300 kilometers north of Shanghai, and has a staff of approximately 1,100 employees at three locations in China. The main customer segments served by Yadon include the automotive supplying, household appliances, and metal working industries in Eastern China. The investment in Yadon extends Schulerʼs product portfolio in the middle and lower price segments and provides access to a customer base not yet served in China, the largest market in the world for presses.
(Andritz AG)

The Lucart Castelnuovo di Garfagnana tissue mill, part of the Lucart Group, has officially inaugurated its first Cogeneration system with Integrated EcoRecovery system, developed and supplied by Valmet. The installation is part of Lucart Group's about 4 million EUR investment for upgrading the mill.

The Cogeneration system integrates a gas turbine with a yankee hood air system and a waste heat steam generator, covering all the electricity and steam needs of the site. This way the gas turbine flue gases are used to dry the paper without any further gas consumption. The system improves the energy efficiency and reduces greenhouse gas emissions significantly. In addition, drying costs in the tissue production are decreased significantly.

Valmet's solution was a perfect match with Lucart Group's objectives. "The Integrated Cogeneration technology is totally consistent with our company mission, which focuses on environmental sustainability and respect. Furthermore, we have appreciated Valmet's capability in finding and sharing possible solutions - Valmet people were always there when we needed it and this made a difference," says Franco Pasquini, Engineering Director of Lucart.

In his introduction speech at the opening ceremony Luigino Furlan, Vice President DCD Technology Unit of Valmet, highlighted how the success of this project is due greatly to the teamwork between Lucart and Valmet. "The people who envisioned, shared, built and implemented this project and the special relationship established between the teams, represent the corner stones for this achievement. Mutual trust between Lucart and Valmet has been established and the path to continued partnership is paved," Furlan said in his speech.

Technical description
The Cogeneration equipment supplied by Valmet includes a new air system with fans, burners, dampers, ducting and instrumentation for the existing hood. Furthermore the delivery comprises a heat recovery steam generator, an air/air heat recovery and an air/water heat recovery system.

The results of the installation are remarkable: using its exhaust fumes, the cogeneration gas turbine performs all the drying for the entire tissue production, covering the thermal energy of the hood air system (with burners off) and producing the steam needed for the Yankee cylinder.

The Cogeneration system will reduce the natural gas consumption by 15-20% per year which correlates to an estimated reduction of CO2 emissions by 7,000 tons /year as well as NOx to air by 3.5 tons / year.
(Valmet Corporation)

A complete and particularly complex system comprised of roll handling and packaging was installed at the SCA Mannheim facilities in Germany. Four lines that, following accurate testing, became ready for acceptance in December of last year.

Among its preferred suppliers, SCA nominated the A.Celli Group as project supervisor, conferring the company full authority to study every detail, requirement and feasibility aspect, technical progress and customization of the handling project.This allowed the company to exploit the Group’s synergies to the fullest, attaining a goal above and beyond today’s standards.

“A.Celli confirmed to be a reliable, competent partner,” declares SCA. “It followed this project for us, immediately identifying our needs in terms of handling, and resolving any problem quickly and effectively, applying the utmost attention and showing great expertise in safety and automation”.

Coming just a few weeks after the acceptance of the system, this statement by the customer is yet another confirmation that the synergies of the A.Celli Group not only meet all expectations from a technological standpoint, but also allow attaining excellent results and increasingly high objectives.
(A. Celli Paper S.p.A.)

International technology Group ANDRITZ has successfully launched a new service package to increase the performance and life cycle of drying cylinders (Yankees). With over 100 projects successfully completed, ANDRITZ is one of the leading suppliers of cast and steel Yankees worldwide.

The service package includes PrimeCoat Stratos, a thermal solution for full-face coating and spot repairs. The new coating technology, which can be implemented directly at the customers site, features 20% higher hardness and 2% less porosity than the market standard. This results in better heat conductivity and operating efficiency. In the past three years, PrimeCoat Stratos has been applied successfully on more than 25 steel Yankees, most recently for the two tissue machines supplied to Shin-Ei Paper, Japan.

In addition, the ANDRITZ service package offers a new mobile grinding unit and on-the-run measurements. The grinding unit can extend the lifetime of the Yankee, while the measurements – most recently conducted at C&S Paper, China, and Zellstoff Pöls, Austria – improve runability, safety, and performance of the system.

The new service package is available for existing machines as well as for new machines (regardless of the supplier) and is designed especially for the production of tissue, paper and board, machine-glazed paper, and cigarette paper.
(Andritz AG)

Lecta extends its range of metallized papers with a new wet-strength grade for non-returnable containers

Metalvac E LWS is a light wet-strength metallized paper for glue-applied labeling of non-returnable and plastic containers such as PET bottles for water and beverages, and single-use glass bottles for water and beer. The technical properties of this new product means it can withstand the cool, moist conditions the container undergoes during the labelling process and subsequent conservation in ice buckets and refrigerators.
Metalvac E LWS is friction and tear resistant, and has excellent lay-flat properties, providing optimal results on the high-speed bottling line. It is available in 63 and 70 g/m², with the following finishes: smooth and embossed (linen, brushed and pinhead). Metalvac E LWS is suitable for offset, flexo and letterpress printing, both conventional and UV, and rotogravure, and is available with PEFCTM and FSC® certifications upon request.
Metalvac is Lecta’s range of 100% recyclable high-vacuum metallized papers for high-quality labels and flexible packaging. All of Lecta’s metallized paper is manufactured according to ISO 9001 quality standards, ISO 14001 and EMAS environmental management standards, ISO 50001 energy management standards and OHSAS 18001 occupational health and safety standards.
(Lecta Group)

22.06.2015 Change in the management of Brigl & Bergmeister
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Company news
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The Brigl & Bergmeister Group hereby announces that Mr Ahmad Porkar is going to withdraw from the company's operational management with effect from 30/6/2015.

With effect from 1 July 2015, Mr Bernhard Mayer will be managing director of the technical division of both plants. Mr Michael Sablatnig will continue to be responsible for commercial matters.

Mr Mayer has been holding important management positions at the Niklasdorf plant as well as in the Slovenian subsidiary Papirnica Vevče for the last few years. Mr Mayer has been working for B&B since 1985.

During his period as managing director of operations, Mr Porkar – as owner of the B&B Group – has initiated important restructuring measures as well as the “Innovation One” investment programme. Thus, both plants are being secured on a long-term basis, creating further potential for the development of innovative speciality papers. In his capacity as owner, Mr Porkar will continue to support the company in terms of strategic development.

B&B is celebrating its 125-year anniversary this year and is considered a leading international manufacturer of one-side coated papers for labels and flexible packaging.
(Brigl & Bergmeister GmbH)

22.06.2015 Mayr-Melnhof Packaging makes an offer to acquire a specialty packaging company in France
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Company news
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MM Packaging has made an offer to acquire the folding carton operations of Ileos SA, owned by funds of Oaktree Capital Management L.P. The company has five sites producing folding cartons for the pharmaceutical industry and two sites producing folding cartons for luxury articles and cosmetics. All sites are located in France. In 2014 sales amounted to approximately EUR 115 million; about 26,000 tons of cartonboard and 6,000 tons of paper were converted.

The purchase price will amount to approximately EUR 80 million.

Customer portfolio as well as market share fit into the industrial growth strategy of
MM Packaging.

The transaction will be subject to customary closing conditions.
(Mayr-Melnhof Packaging Austria GmbH)

22.06.2015 Transnational research project ACTIPOLY has started
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Company news
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ACTIPOLY is the acronym for active polyvalent packaging based on environmentally friendly fibre material. This two year ERA-NET CORNET project has recently started in May 2015. The goal of the project is the development of a novel fibre-based thermo-formable packaging material with barrier and antimicrobial functionalities intended to extend the shelf-life of fresh food. Focus will be also set on recyclability and compostability of the packaging material after usage.

Photo: Kick-Off Meeting ACTIPOLY in Munich

The innovative core element of this project is the modification of fibre-based materials to introduce thermoplasticity. This will be essential for the production of trays. Such modifications are expected to push paper and fibre-based materials into a novel class of products exhibiting extraordinary properties where nearly no eco-friendly solutions are yet available on the market. Further development steps will include barrier functionalities for moisture and oxygen impermeability optimized for thermo-processing and also antimicrobial coatings, both intended to preserve the freshness and edibility of the packaging good and thus extending shelf-life. Additionally, a bio-based barrier topfilm with antimicrobial properties will be developed, which is sealable on the fibre-based tray. The total packaging concept is aimed to be recyclable and compostable.
In the following some additional information on the different parts of the project will be given:

Thermo-formable base-paper
The main part of the project is the chemical modification of the functional groups of cellulose to create a fibre-material with thermoplastic properties. For this purpose, the hydrophilic cellulose will be partially converted to a hydrophobic material to introduce ductile properties. The degree of substitution is a central question of research in terms of the balance of hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of the fibres to meet requirements of paper making process (hydrophilic functionality) as well as the thermo-forming process (hydrophobic functionality).

Ductile barrier coating
The ductile barrier coating with simultaneous oxygen and water vapour barrier will be realized experimentally by a multi-layer approach. For the moisture barrier, hydrophobic polymers like waxes will be evaluated. The oxygen barrier will be created by the second layer. Furthermore, tensile properties of the multilayer film will be modified, using inorganic fillers. Both, the tuning of ductility and barrier functionality will be evaluated by establishing an experimental matrix.

Formulation of new bio-based antimicrobial coatings
Antimicrobial coatings will be obtained by two different research methods: the use of bio-based antimicrobial agents and by the development of superhydrophobic coatings. Firstly, the incorporation of antimicrobial agents into the eco-packaging will be simultaneously evaluated following two approaches:
--Incorporation of antimicrobial compounds using spray coatings methods.
--Incorporation of antimicrobial compounds in the matrix via melt-processes.
--In parallel of these two approaches, antimicrobial activity will be obtained by the development of super-hydrophobic coatings.

PTS is coordinating the project in cooperation with in total eight different partners participating in this project: Papiertechnische Stiftung (coordinator), CELABOR, The Association West Pomerian Cluster „Green Chemistry“, MateriaNova, Pack4Food VZW, Sirris, The West Pomeranian University of Technology Szczecin, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering.
(Papiertechnische Stiftung (PTS))

Xeikon, an innovator in digital color printing technology, announced that the newest version of its X-800 digital front-end (DFE) incorporates the latest RIP technology available from Adobe and supports the Adobe Mercury RIP Architecture. This enables digital printers, whatever their specialty and however complex their jobs, to process their print jobs in the fastest, most flexible and secure manner possible.

“We are delighted that our collaboration with Adobe has resulted in the Xeikon X-800, version 4.0, now fully Adobe certified for the Mercury RIP Architecture,” comments Jeroen Van Bauwel, Director Product Management at Xeikon. “Passing the rigorous qualification process is an important achievement, and we are pleased with the recognition from Adobe that our workflow is tuned for optimal efficiency and performance. The Xeikon X-800 4.0 DFE will bring added value to a wide range of customers, from label and packaging converters to customers with high-volume data throughput requirements, reducing the amount of job preparation time required for even the most complex work.”

Making complex tasks faster and easier
The release of the Xeikon X-800 4.0 DFE offers special advantages for complex tasks such as those involving multiple transparent print layers; high-level security and brand protection features that demand the highest-possible resolution; and sophisticated variable data work.

Mark Lewiecki, Adobe Senior Product Manager, outlines the benefits of the collaboration between Xeikon and Adobe. “The Mercury RIP Architecture will dramatically raise productivity levels for Xeikon customers running high-volume Variable Data Printing (VDP) jobs,” he says. “This will enhance the value of the PDF Print Engine, which is the number one imaging technology in the graphic arts. The Mercury RIP Architecture is a scalability platform which takes full advantage of multiple CPU cores in modern servers to accelerate overall job throughput in print production workflows.”

When the Adobe PDF Print Engine[1] is configured in the Adobe Mercury RIP Architecture, a wide variety of print jobs on all of Xeikon’s digital presses – from documents to labels, folding cartons and other packaging applications – will benefit from streamlined processing time in generating ready-for-print bitmaps. The processing of jobs, pages or complete signatures occurs in parallel, and can be load-balanced to ensure that no CPUs are idle while files are waiting to be rendered. Mercury can be configured to dynamically allocate some CPUs to a rush job, while other CPUs will continue to work on processing the routine work.

Complementary technologies
The advanced capabilities of the Mercury RIP Architecture complement Xeikon’s X-800 unique built-in metadata module, which enables variable data jobs to be defined entirely on the press. To enable tracking of production from print to delivery or to prevent counterfeiting, the X-800 allows the dynamic addition of production data or other variable elements such as sequential numbers or barcodes to already RIPped documents. The X-800 also features automatic printer calibration, density control and registration adjustments for excellent color stability and consistent output quality, and even allows post-RIP color adjustment during printing, minimizing downtime while offering great flexibility in ensuring continuously consistent quality.

Long-standing partnership
“We value our long-standing partnership with Xeikon, which pioneered digital printing more than 20 years ago,” Lewiecki adds. “We welcome Xeikon’s continuing leadership, demonstrated by its early adoption of the Mercury RIP Architecture in version 4.0 of the Xeikon X-800 DFE.”

“We are convinced this update will be very well-received by our customers,” concludes Van Bauwel. “In today’s increasingly complex and highly demanding environment, printers and converters of all types are working with more complex jobs, a growing amount of variable data and the need to ensure the highest resolution for accurate production of security and brand protection features. With this release, and the Adobe certification, Xeikon remains in the forefront of the digital printing world it pioneered, providing our customers with the latest technology to ensure optimum productivity, profitability and flexibility.”

The Xeikon X-800 version 4.0 update is available end of this month to all current Xeikon press owners and will be incorporated in all new press shipments.
(Xeikon Manufacturing NV)

FINAT, the international association for the self-adhesive labelling industry, announces Helf Etiketten (Austria) and Bel Leerdammer Cheese (Belgium) are the winners of the second FINAT Recycling Awards Competition. Both winners were honoured during an awards ceremony at the recent European Label Forum in Amsterdam.

FINAT recycling consultant Jacques van Leeuwen chaired the jury, supported by Andreas Faul of INGEDE (Paper deinking industry) and Peter Sundt of EPRO (the European organisation of plastics recycling). "The second edition of our Recycling awards saw another strong field of contestants, with a number of returning participants putting in even stronger performances. We congratulate both winners and the other contenders with their accomplishments and look forward to the next edition of the FINAT recycling awards competition in 2016," commented Van Leeuwen.

Converter Category winner – Helf Etiketten
The converter category saw a number of entries and the winner Helf Etiketten impressed the jury with the 100% liner recycling rate. The judges also commented on the sustainable ethos with the collection of liners from customers and the ongoing implementations of a complete management system.

"In the hotly-contested converter category, the honours went to first-time participant Helf Etiketten with a particularly strong showing. The jury unanimously agreed that the maximum-capacity recycling of liner and the commitment of the company to communication on recycling internally and externally, backed up by press releases and newsletters, were exemplary. Combined with the great efforts by the company to reduce matrix waste and to trace the secondary material, the jury was happy to give the award to Helf Etiketten,” Van Leeuwen details.

End-user Category Winner
In the end-user category Bel Leerdammer Cheese stood out for building on ongoing efforts through developing successful pilots in 2013 and recycling 100% of paper liners in 2014. It also incorporated recycling into its operation wide quality system and strengthened internal and external communication regarding its release liner recycling efforts.

“While the number of entries in the end-user category was markedly lower than in the converter category, the jury was convinced by Bel Leerdammer Cheese strong entry and in particular by its strong strides forward since 2014. Not only did the company more than triple the tonnage of its recycled paper liner compared to the previous year, it also included release liner recycling as part of a certified quality system and stepped up its communication efforts,” explains Van Leeuwen.

Supporting recycling efforts
The FINAT Recycling Awards Competition recognises companies that have their paper and/or film release liners recycled. The goal is to raise awareness for the growing number of sustainable and economically-viable recycling programmes. These offer companies site-specific solutions for the collection and recycling of used release liners, allowing them to reduce both their carbon footprint and landfilling costs.
(FINAT)